JJ Abrams Kicks Off 'Bittersweet' First Day of Filming 'Star Wars: Episode IX' Without Carrie Fisher

The director celebrated the first day of filmingStar Wars: Episode IX on Wednesday by joining the social media platform for the first time, giving a special shout-out to the film's cast and crew, as well as those who couldn't be there.

"Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go," he wrote, paying tribute to Carrie Fisher, who died in December 2016. "Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX."

Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IXpic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5

Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed on Friday that Fisher would be appearing in Episode IX, which is set to hit theaters on Dec. 20, 2019. The late actress will be included using unreleased footage from 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” Abrams said in an announcement on StarWars.com. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character.”

“With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie [Lourd], we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII,” continued Abrams, who co-wrote the script with Chris Terrio.